LeafWorks
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersSebastopol, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What LeafWorks does
LeafWorks is a botanical genomics company that develops and commercializes DNA-based testing services, reagent kits, and consulting for the natural products industry. Founded in August 2016 by Eleanor Kuntz, PhD (CEO) and Kerin Law, PhD (CSO) — both trained at the University of Georgia — the company is headquartered in Sebastopol, California, and operates with 11–50 employees. Its service portfolio spans cannabis and hemp testing (DNA sex identification with 99.9% accuracy, pathogen detection for Hop Latent Viroid and other viruses/fungi, cultivar registration with botanical reference material, feminized seed certification, HLVd-free seed and clone certification, and supply chain certification), functional mushroom DNA ID testing for Cordyceps, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Chaga, and Reishi, botanical DNA identification across 75 herbs and fungi, adulteration screening, and an industry-first DNA quantification service for mushroom blends. The underlying technology is qPCR/RT-qPCR using species-specific DNA markers validated against an internal database of thousands of authenticated Botanical Reference Materials (BRMs) and Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), including the world's only cannabis herbarium (Canndor) — a data asset the company describes as the largest cannabis sequencing dataset in the world.
Revenue is generated across six streams: per-test/per-sample laboratory services priced from roughly $10–$135 per plant, per-cultivar registration fees of $2,500–$2,800, per-lot certification pricing of $150–$400, DNA ID reagent kit sales ($280–$4,000) to third-party laboratories, quote-based expert genetic consulting, and bespoke investigative botanical R&D engagements. Distribution combines a self-serve e-commerce storefront on leafworks.com for SMB and individual cultivators with direct enterprise sales for large cultivation operations, reagent kit distribution to third-party labs, and channel partnerships with Eurofins Botanicals (mushroom DNA testing) and NOW Foods (botanical identity testing). Customer concentration is dispersed across cannabis/hemp cultivators and seed companies, functional mushroom product manufacturers, the broader natural products industry, and third-party testing laboratories. The company has disclosed one Series A led by Bonaventure Equity (February 2020), participation in a $2.7M California cannabis research grant (2023), and ongoing product launches and partnerships through 2025–2026.
LeafWorks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- LeafWorks
- Legal name
- LeafWorks Inc.
- Website
- https://leafworks.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
LeafWorks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Botanical Genomics / DNA Testing Services
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Seed Testing, Treatment & Certification Services (AFAMADAI)
Keywords
Where LeafWorks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sebastopol
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
LeafWorks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- DNA Testing Services (Per-Test/P Per-Sample): One-time fee per test or per sample submitted. Customers purchase test kits and mail samples to the LeafWorks laboratory. Results are delivered as PDF reports. Pricing varies by test type and volume. Includes sex tests, pathogen ID tests, fungal DNA ID tests, and species quantification tests.
- Cultivar Registration Services: One-time registration fee per cultivar for DNA fingerprinting, botanical reference material creation, and cultivar certification. Additional add-on services available (botanical description, phenotypic analysis, magazine-quality reports). Multi-tiered pricing: $2,800 per cultivar for 1-4 cultivars; $2,500 per cultivar for 5+ cultivars.
- Seed and Clone Certification Services: One-time certification fees per seed lot or clone lot. Services include Feminized Seed Certification ($300 per lot), HLVd-Free Seed Certification ($332-$400 per unit), and HLVd-Free Clone Certification ($150-$200 per unit), with volume discounts.
- DNA ID Reagent Kits: Sale of in-house reagent kits (200-reaction or 20/50-reaction formats) for customers who want to conduct DNA testing in their own laboratories. Includes Cannabis & Hemp Sex ID Reagent Kits, Plant Pathogen Reagent Kits, Functional Fungi DNA ID Reagent Kits, and DNA/RNA Extraction Kits. Accompanied by positive controls sold separately.
- Expert Genetic Consulting: Custom consulting engagements with LeafWorks' PhD scientists. Services include botanical descriptions, voucher services, marker-assisted breeding, seed stability analysis, DNA sequencing, and general scientific consulting. Pricing is quote-based.
- Investigative Botanical R&D Services: Discovery-oriented research consulting for complex botanical challenges including species identification, contaminant detection, adulterant tracing, breeding validation, and supply chain forensics. Custom scientific approach designed around specific client questions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cannabis & Hemp DNA Sex Test — $10–$15 per plant depending on volume |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cannabis & Hemp Pathogen ID Test — $25–$135 per plant depending on panel type |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Functional Fungi DNA ID Tests — pricing varies by species |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Feminized Seed Certification — $300 per seed lot |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cultivar Registration — $2,500–$2,800 per cultivar |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HLVd-Free Seed Certification — $332–$400 per certification |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HLVd-Free Clone Certification — $150–$200 per certification |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | DoubleCheck Test — $200–$250 per sample |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | DNA ID Reagent Kits — $280–$4,000 per kit depending on type |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Expert Genetic Consulting — Quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
LeafWorks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
LeafWorks is a botanical genomics laboratory that delivers DNA-based testing services for cannabis, hemp, functional mushrooms, and 75+ herb and fungi species. Its core offerings include plant sex identification, pathogen detection, cultivar registration and certification (Feminized Seed, HLVd-Free Seed/Clone, Supply Chain), functional mushroom species identification and quantification, herbal/adulteration DNA ID testing, and companion qPCR reagent kits for in-house laboratory use. The company also provides expert genetic consulting and investigative R&D services led by PhD scientists.
Product overview
LeafWorks is a botanical genomics company offering a comprehensive portfolio of DNA-based testing services and reagent kits for the natural products, cannabis, hemp, and functional mushroom industries. The core offering consists of laboratory testing services delivered via submission kits, including Cannabis & Hemp DNA Sex Tests, Pathogen ID Tests, Cultivar Registration, Supply Chain Certification, and Feminized Seed Certification for cannabis/hemp; Functional Fungi DNA ID Tests for six mushroom species (Cordyceps, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi); Botanical DNA ID Tests, Adulteration Detection, and Ingredient Quantification Testing for herbal products; and Investigative Botanical R&D Services for complex research needs. The product line also includes companion reagent kits (Cannabis & Hemp Sex ID Reagent Kit, Plant Pathogen DNA ID Reagent Kits, Functional Fungi DNA ID Reagent Kits) and the required DNA/RNA Extraction Kit for in-house laboratory testing. Expert Genetic Consulting services complement the portfolio. All services leverage qPCR technology, advanced bioinformatics pipelines, and extensive authenticated reference material databases for species-specific identification and quantification.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LeafWorks Cannabis & Hemp DNA Sex Test Early plant sex testing service that identifies male and female cannabis/hemp plants from seedlings as early as 7 days post-germination using DNA markers, achieving 99.9% accuracy and enabling cultivators to remove male plants before they pollinate the crop.
- LeafWorks Cannabis & Hemp Pathogen ID Tests DNA-based testing service that detects major cannabis and hemp pathogens using qPCR/RT-qPCR panels, including Hop Latent Viroid, Beet Curly Top Virus, Lettuce Chlorosis Virus, Cannabis Cryptic Virus, Botrytis, Fusarium oxysporum, Powdery Mildew, and Septoria cannabis.
- LeafWorks Cultivar Registration Timestamped certification service that establishes cultivar ownership records with genetic and phenotypic profiles, creating Botanical Reference Material and DNA fingerprints for IP protection across multiple pricing tiers with optional add-ons (Botanical Description, Phenotypic Analysis, Magazine-quality Report).
- LeafWorks Supply Chain Certification DNA-based certification service that tracks and verifies material through the cannabis/hemp supply chain by comparing samples to previously registered DNA fingerprints, providing fraud mitigation and compliance testing with the displayable LeafWorks Seal.
- LeafWorks Feminized Seed Certification DNA testing certification that verifies seed lots are fully feminized without male contamination using statistical sampling of 160 seeds per lot with 99% confidence interval and 2.5% margin of error, delivering a Certificate of Authenticity and the LeafWorks Seal.
- LeafWorks Hop Latent Viroid-Free Seed Certification RT-qPCR DNA assay certification service that certifies cannabis and hemp seed lots are free of Hop Latent Viroid using epidemiological-based statistical framework for lot-wide infection claims.
- LeafWorks Hop Latent Viroid-Free Clone Certification DNA testing certification service that verifies cannabis and hemp clone lots and mother plants are free of Hop Latent Viroid using epidemiological sampling and statistical analysis.
- LeafWorks DoubleCheck Test DNA fingerprint comparison service that resolves label mix-ups by comparing genomic sequences of unknown samples to known references to identify clonal matches.
- LeafWorks Functional Fungi DNA ID Tests Rapid qPCR-based DNA identification tests for six functional mushroom species — Cordyceps, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Chaga, and Reishi — applied to fruiting body, mycelium, extracts, capsules, chocolate, and premix matrices with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), compliant with 21 CFR 111 FDA regulations.
- LeafWorks Botanical DNA ID Tests Sequencing-based species DNA identification tests for validating species identity of herbal ingredients across 75+ herbs and fungi to ensure ingredient integrity and regulatory compliance for natural products manufacturers.
- LeafWorks Adulteration DNA ID Testing DNA screening service that detects common adulterants in botanical and natural products to ensure product integrity and meet regulatory compliance requirements.
- LeafWorks Ingredient Quantification Testing Industry-first species quantification testing service that quantifies the amount of each targeted species in blended natural products, first launched for functional mushroom blends to measure ingredient composition, distinguish mushroom from substrate, and verify label claims while meeting 21 CFR 111 regulatory requirements.
- LeafWorks Investigative Botanical R&D Services Deep-dive discovery research service for complex botanical challenges including species identification, contaminant detection, adulterant tracing, breeding validation, and supply chain forensics using advanced sequencing and bioinformatics with a custom scientific approach designed around specific client questions.
- LeafWorks Expert Genetic Consulting Expert consulting services utilizing genomic resources and PhD scientists for botanical operations including botanical descriptions, voucher services, marker-assisted breeding, seed stability analysis, DNA sequencing, and general scientific consulting, with quote-based pricing per engagement.
- LeafWorks Cannabis & Hemp Sex ID Reagent Kit In-house qPCR reagent kit for cannabis and hemp sex testing that enables laboratories and cultivation organizations to perform DNA-based sex identification in their own facilities using a 200-reaction kit format.
- LeafWorks Plant Pathogen DNA ID Reagent Kits In-house DNA/RNA-based pathogen detection reagent kits using qPCR/RT-qPCR covering viruses and fungi including Hop Latent Viroid, Beet Curly Top Virus, Fusarium oxysporum, and others, with 200-reaction kit format and a 3-in-1 Viral Multiplex option.
- LeafWorks Functional Fungi DNA ID Reagent Kits In-house qPCR-based DNA identification reagent kits for functional mushrooms including Shiitake, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, Chaga, and Reishi species, available in 20 or 50 reaction formats and manufactured in ISO 9001 and ISO 14644 certified facilities.
- LeafWorks DNA/RNA Extraction Kit Rapid extraction kit for obtaining DNA and RNA from botanical samples for reliable PCR, qPCR, and RT-qPCR testing, required as a companion product for LeafWorks reagent kit purchases, available in a 200-reaction format.
- LeafWorks Reagent Kit Positive Controls Quality control reagent kit positive controls for verifying that qPCR reactions are working correctly, required as a companion product for all LeafWorks reagent kits and sold separately at 50 reactions per unit.
Quantifiable outcome
- Save up to 20% in operational costs by identifying male cannabis/hemp plants early
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use LeafWorks
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
LeafWorks technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature7 records
LeafWorks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NOW FoodscoreNOW Foods and LeafWorks entered into a partnership to advance botanical identity testing with DNA testing and a new testing model. The partnership aims to bring comprehensive DNA-based quality assurance to NOW Foods' natural products supply chain, leveraging LeafWorks' expertise in botanical and fungal species identification.
- Atlas SeedminorLeafWorks collaborated with Atlas Seed on heterozygosity testing for cannabis breeding. The collaboration enables Atlas Seed and its customers to use LeafWorks' heterozygosity testing to build better genetics, accelerating cultivar development through data-driven breeding decisions.
- Eurofins BotanicalscoreEurofins Botanicals partnered with LeafWorks to launch the first mushroom DNA species identification tests. Eurofins offers LeafWorks' mushroom DNA testing services through its laboratory network, expanding market access for LeafWorks' functional fungi testing portfolio to Eurofins' extensive client base.
- TruTrace TechnologiescoreTruTrace Technologies partnered with LeafWorks to create a blockchain-secured platform for validation of cannabis supply chains. The partnership combined TruTrace's blockchain technology with LeafWorks' DNA testing capabilities to enable end-to-end supply chain transparency and product authentication for the cannabis industry.
- Humboldt Seed Co.minorLeafWorks partnered with Humboldt Seed Co. in February 2020 to announce the Certified Feminized Seal, providing third-party DNA verification for Humboldt Seed Co.'s feminized cannabis seed lots using LeafWorks' Feminized Seed Certification service.
- Canndor (Cannabis Herbarium)coreCanndor is the world's only cannabis herbarium and serves as LeafWorks' partner for creating and housing Botanical Reference Material (vouchers). LeafWorks generates herbarium vouchers of registered cultivars as part of its Cultivar Registration service, with Canndor providing long-term preservation of these specimens. This partnership is foundational to LeafWorks' reference material database.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves20 records
Expansion highlights6 records
LeafWorks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Steep Hill: Steep Hill is one of the earliest cannabis testing laboratories offering potency, terpene, and genetic analysis. It is a direct peer in cannabis analytical services with significant overlap in cultivator customers seeking third-party verification.
- Medicinal Genomics: Medicinal Genomics develops qPCR-based pathogen detection kits (e.g., Hop Latent Viroid) for the cannabis industry. It is the closest direct competitor to LeafWorks' cannabis pathogen and molecular testing portfolio, serving similar cultivator and lab customers with overlapping DNA testing workflows.
- Alkemist Labs: Alkemist Labs is a botanical identity testing laboratory specializing in HPTLC and DNA-based authentication of herbal ingredients for the dietary supplement industry. It is directly comparable to LeafWorks' botanical species ID, adulteration detection, and 21 CFR 111 compliance offerings.
- MCR Labs: MCR Labs is a Massachusetts-licensed cannabis testing laboratory providing analytical testing including genetic and terpene profiling. It is a direct peer in cannabis lab services with similar regulatory compliance and customer profiles.
- PathogenDx: PathogenDx provides DNA-based microbial and pathogen testing for cannabis, produce, and food safety using microarray and qPCR technology. It is a direct peer in DNA-based cannabis pathogen testing with similar customer overlap to LeafWorks' cultivator and testing-lab clients.
- Confidence Analytics: Confidence Analytics is a Washington-state licensed cannabis testing laboratory providing potency, contaminant, and genetic testing. It is a direct peer in third-party cannabis lab services with overlapping customer profiles to LeafWorks' testing services.
- ACS Laboratory: ACS Laboratory is a cannabis testing laboratory offering potency, terpene, pesticide, and genetic testing across multiple U.S. states. It is a direct peer in third-party cannabis testing with overlapping cultivator and brand customers.
Broad incumbents
- Eurofins Scientific: Eurofins is the world's largest testing services conglomerate offering food, supplement, environmental, and cannabis testing through a global lab network. While Eurofins Botanicals is a current LeafWorks partner for mushroom DNA distribution, Eurofins' broader testing footprint and scale make it a broad incumbent competitor that could expand in-house DNA botanical capabilities.
Emerging players
- Phylos Bioscience: Phylos provides cannabis genetic testing and a genotype database for breeders and cultivators. It is an emerging peer in cannabis DNA/genomics with adjacent (rather than directly overlapping) offerings — focused more on breeding/genotype services than LeafWorks' certification and product-quality testing.
- Front Range Biosciences: Front Range Biosciences provides genetic testing, tissue culture propagation, and breeding services for cannabis and hemp. It is an emerging peer in cannabis genomics with partial overlap to LeafWorks' genetic testing and cultivar registration services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
LeafWorks social profiles
Digital presenceLeafWorks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
LeafWorks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
LeafWorks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
LeafWorks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about LeafWorks
What does LeafWorks do?
LeafWorks is a botanical genomics laboratory that delivers DNA-based testing services for cannabis, hemp, functional mushrooms, and 75+ herb and fungi species. Its core offerings include plant sex identification, pathogen detection, cultivar registration and certification (Feminized Seed, HLVd-Free Seed/Clone, Supply Chain), functional mushroom species identification and quantification, herbal/adulteration DNA ID testing, and companion qPCR reagent kits for in-house laboratory use. The company also provides expert genetic consulting and investigative R&D services led by PhD scientists.
Is LeafWorks a public or private company?
LeafWorks is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was LeafWorks founded?
LeafWorks was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is LeafWorks based?
LeafWorks is headquartered in Sebastopol, United States, in the North America region.
How does LeafWorks make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. DNA Testing Services (Per-Test/P Per-Sample) is the primary driver. The others are cultivar Registration Services, seed and Clone Certification Services, DNA ID Reagent Kits, expert Genetic Consulting and investigative Botanical R&D Services.
Who are LeafWorks's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Steep Hill, Medicinal Genomics, Alkemist Labs, MCR Labs, PathogenDx, Confidence Analytics and ACS Laboratory. Eurofins Scientific is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are Phylos Bioscience and Front Range Biosciences.
Does LeafWorks have an API?
No public API is recorded for LeafWorks.
What industry is LeafWorks in?
LeafWorks's product category is Botanical Genomics / DNA Testing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAMADAI, Seed Testing, Treatment & Certification Services. Its NAICS code is 541714 and its SIC code is 8734.